U.S. patent application number 12/834452 was filed with the patent office on 2014-02-27 for vertical t-junction block assembly.
The applicant listed for this patent is Norman R. Byrne. Invention is credited to Norman R. Byrne.
Application Number | 20140057484 12/834452 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50148377 |
Filed Date | 2014-02-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140057484 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Byrne; Norman R. |
February 27, 2014 |
VERTICAL T-JUNCTION BLOCK ASSEMBLY
Abstract
A vertical junction block assembly (200) is disclosed having a
receptacle block region (214) extending through a lateral or front
surface (212) of the assembly (200). An internal wiring assembly
(226) connects a horizontal terminal group (229) to a vertical male
terminal set (262) which extends upwardly through a vertical
junction block terminal housing (244). A vertical cable assembly
(280) having a vertical cable connector (284) is connectable to the
vertical male terminal set (262).
Inventors: |
Byrne; Norman R.; (Ada,
MI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Byrne; Norman R. |
Ada |
MI |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
50148377 |
Appl. No.: |
12/834452 |
Filed: |
July 12, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
439/527 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H01R 24/78 20130101;
H01R 13/46 20130101; H02G 3/288 20130101; H01R 2103/00 20130101;
H01R 25/162 20130101; H02G 3/388 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
439/527 |
International
Class: |
H01R 13/46 20060101
H01R013/46 |
Claims
1. A junction block assembly for use with a power distribution
system for carrying electrical power and for providing electrical
devices external to said junction block assembly with access to
said electrical power, said junction block assembly comprising: at
least one junction block having a housing; an internal wiring
assembly; terminal means connected to said internal wiring assembly
and horizontally disposed for releasably connecting said internal
wire assembly to a source of electrical power; a vertically
disposed housing extending upwardly from a main body of said
junction block, said vertically disposed housing having a terminal
group of said internal wire assembly extending vertically upward
and electrically connected to said horizontal terminal group; and
at least one receptacle block, said electrical receptacle block
having a first receptacle block terminal group mechanically and
electrically connectable to said horizontal terminal group.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Not applicable.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not applicable
REFERENCE TO MICROFISHE APPENDIX
[0003] Not applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] 1. Field of the Invention
[0005] The invention relates to electrical power distribution
systems and, more particularly, to systems having junction block
assemblies and the requirement of providing vertically disposed
electrical connections to at least some of the junction block
assemblies.
[0006] 2. Background Art
[0007] Known interior wall systems typically employ pre-fabricated
modular units. These units are often joined together in various
configurations, so as to divide a workplace into smaller offices or
work areas. Generally, such modular wall panels may be equipped
with means for receiving general building power and, possibly,
general communications. Such building power may, for example, be
conventional AC power received either under floor or from
relatively permanent walls or the like. In various types of
environments comprising electrical equipment, or wherein electrical
apparatus are otherwise employed, interconnections of electrical
components to incoming utility power are typically provided by
means of cables or wires. For example, in office systems
compromising modular furniture components, it is often necessary to
provide electrical interconnections between incoming power supplies
and various types of electrical devices typically used in an office
environment, such as electric typewriters, lamps, etc.
Computer-related devices, such as video display terminals and
similar peripherals, are also now commonly employed in various
office and industrial environments.
[0008] One advantage inherent in modular office systems is the
capability to rearrange furniture components as necessitated by
changes in space requirements, resulting from changes in the number
of personnel and other business-related considerations. However,
these modular systems must not only allow for change in furniture
configurations, but also must provide for convenient
interconnection of electrical devices to utility power, regardless
of the spatial configuration of the modular systems and resultant
variable distances between electrical devices.
[0009] In providing the interconnection of electrical apparatus and
power inputs, it is necessary to include an arrangement for feeding
the incoming utility power to the power outlets. In stationary
structures, such as conventional industrial buildings and the like,
a substantial amount of room would normally exist behind stationary
walls and other areas in which to provide the requisite cabling for
interconnecting incoming utility power to electrical receptacles
mounted in the walls. Such systems, however, can be designed so as
to remain stationary throughout their lifetime, without requiring
general changes in the office or industrial environment areas.
[0010] In addition to receiving electrical power from the general
incoming building power supply, modular office systems typically
require communications connections for office equipment such as
telephones, interne communications and the like. The problems
associated with providing distribution of communications
essentially correspond to the same problems existing with respect
to distribution of conventional electrical power.
[0011] In this regard, it is known to provide modular wall panels
with areas characterized as raceways. Often, these raceways are
located along bottom edges of modular panels. The raceways are
adapted to house electrical cabling and electrical junction blocks.
The cabling and junction blocks are utilized to provide electrical
outlets and electrical power connections to adjacent panels.
However, it is also apparent that to the extent reference is made
herein to providing electrical outlets and electrical power
connections for adjacent panels, the same issues exist with respect
to providing communications among panels.
[0012] Still further, it is known that the raceway of one modular
wall unit may be provided with a male connector at one end, and a
female connector at another end. Pairs of junction blocks, each
provided with electrical outlets, made to be disposed at
spaced-apart positions along the raceway. Conduits may be extended
between the junction blocks and between the connectors in the
junction blocks. In this manner, electrical interconnection is
provided between the units.
[0013] The modular panels of a space-divider may be configured,
such that adjacent panels are in a straight line, or at various
angular positions relative to each other. It is common to configure
intersecting walls in such a fashion that three or four modular
wall panels may intersect at right angles. Each of the panels
typically requires electrical outlets, and may require outlets on
both sides of the panels. In any event, electrical power has to be
provided to all of the panels, and often only one of the panels at
the multiple panel junction is connected to a power supply source.
Under such circumstances, the interconnecting wiring becomes a
significant problem. That is, special modifications may have to be
made to power systems of wall panels to be used in such a
configuration. Because interchangeability of wall panels is highly
desirable, custom modifications are preferably avoided. Still
further, modifications of wall panels on site at the installation
facility is complex and may be relatively expensive.
[0014] In addition to the foregoing issues, problems can arise with
respect to the use of junction blocks and the amount of room which
may exist within a raceway. That is, raceways require sufficient
room so as to provide for junction blocks, electrical outlet
receptacle blocks, and cabling extending between junction blocks
and between adjacent panels.
[0015] One example of a prior art system is illustrated in
Propst's, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,382,648 issued May 10, 1983. In
the Propst, et al. system, mating connectors of opposing panels are
engaged when the panels are aligned in a straight line. When the
panels are positioned in an intersecting relationship, specially
manufactured couplers are utilized. One type of special coupler is
used when the panels are positioned at right angles. Another type
is used with adjoining panels arranged at angles other than right
angles. Consequently, costly inventory of couplers must be
maintained. The Propst, et al. system uses a double set of
connectors comprising a male and female connector for each
conductor to be interconnected. When a single one of these prior
art panels intersects two adjacent panels, one of the specially
manufactured couplers connects the female terminals to one of the
adjacent panels, and another of the couplers connects the male
terminals to the adjacent panel.
[0016] A further system is disclosed in Driscoll, U.S. Pat. No.
4,135,775, issued Jan. 23, 1979. In the Driscoll system, each panel
is provided with an electrical outlet box in its raceway. Panels of
different widths are provided with a pair of female connectors.
Outlet boxes of adjacent panels are interconnected by means of
flexible cables having male connectors at both ends. When three or
four panels are adjoined in an intersecting arrangement, two cables
may be connected the pair of female connectors at one end of an
outlet box. In this manner, connection of two adjacent panels is
facilitated.
[0017] With respect to both of the foregoing systems, and other
than in the special intersecting relationship, one half of the
double set of terminals of these systems is superfluous. There is a
distinct disadvantage in modern day systems, where several
independent electrical circuits are needed in a wall panel system,
with each requiring separate connectors. Space for such circuits
and their connectors is very limited in the raceway areas of modem,
thin-line wall panels.
[0018] Other systems also exist with respect to electrical
connectors, junction boxes, and the like. For example, Rodrigues,
U.S. Pat. No. 1,187,010 issued Jun. 13, 1916, discloses a
detachable and interchangeable electrical switch plug adapted for
use in connection with various electrically heated appliances. A
clamping device is positioned in a fixed, but detachable
relationship to one end of the plug. Means are provided to enclose
and prevent sharp flexure of the cord comprising a flexible
enclosing tube gripped under tension by the other end of the
clamping device. The plug and the clamping device may be
simultaneously removed from the socket.
[0019] Finizie, U.S. Pat. No. 2,540,575, issued Feb. 6, 1951,
discloses a cord guide member for utensil plugs. The concept is to
reduce wear on the cord and the connector plug, and to provide a
connection which will withstand heavy pulling strains without
injury. Strain relief is also provided. A sectional body is
equipped anteriorally adjacent one end of the body with terminals.
The other end of the body contains an anterior chamber or socket. A
pivotable cord-guiding member having a pivot member is movably
mounted in the socket. A wedge-shaped strain relief insert is
received within a wedge-shaped recess in the pivot member. A cord
extends into the pivot member and includes wires passing from the
cord toward the terminals. The incoming portions of the wires are
moved around the insert and firmly wedged within the recess.
[0020] Byrne, U.S. Pat. No. 4,551,577, issued Nov. 5, 1985,
describes a retractable power center. The power center provides for
conveniently located electrical power source receptacles adapted to
be mounted on a work surface. In one embodiment, the power center
includes a rectangular housing received within a slot in a work
surface. A clamping arrangement is utilized to secure the housing
to the work surface. A lower extrusion is connected to the lower
portion of the housing. A movable power carriage mounts the
receptacles and a catch assembly releasably maintains a carriage in
a closed and retracted position. In response to manual activation,
the catch assembly is released and springs tensioned between the
carriage and the extrusion exert forces so as to extend the
carriage upward into an extended, open position. In the open
position, the user can energize the desired electrical devices from
the receptacles, and then lower the carriage into the retracted
position.
[0021] Byrne, U.S. Pat. No. 4,959,021, issued Sep. 25, 1990,
discloses a pivotable power feed connector having a pivotal
connector adapted to be connected to a flexible conduit or cable.
The cable has a series of conductors extending there through. The
connector is pivotably connected to a block assembly through which
the conductors extend. The block assembly, in turn, is connectable
to a contact block, with the conductors conductively connected to a
set of prong terminals extending outwardly from the block. A cover
is secured over the block so as to prevent the prong terminals from
being exposed during assembly and disassembly.
[0022] The cover automatically exposes the prong terminals as the
power feed connector is moved into engagement with a receptacle in
a modular office panel. The connector allows the conduit or cable
to be swiveled to an arc of approximately 180 degrees to any
desired position. The connector is also manually removable from
interconnection with the block assembly. Such removal allows the
conduit or cable to be pulled back from the conductors and cut to a
desired length. The connector includes a power feed cover which can
be utilized in part to maintain the connector in either of two
spatial configurations relative to the block assembly.
[0023] Nienhuis, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,013,252, issued May 7,
1991, discloses an electrified wall panel system having a power
distribution server located within a wall panel unit. The server
includes four receptacle module ports oriented in an h-shaped
configuration. A first receptacle port is located on the first side
of the wall panel unit and opens toward a first end of the unit. A
second receptacle unit is also located on the first side of the
wall panel unit, and opens toward a second end of the wall panel
unit. A third receptacle port and a second sided wall panel unit
opens toward the first end of the wall panel unit, while
correspondingly, a fourth receptacle port on the second side of the
wall panel unit opens toward the second end of the wall panel unit.
First and second harnesses are each electrically connected at first
ends thereof to the power distribution server. They extend to
opposite ends of the wall paneled unit and include connector ports
on the second ends thereof for providing electrical interconnection
of adjacent wall panel units. The Nienhuis, et al. patent also
discloses a system with a wall panel connector interchangeably
usable with the interconnection of two, three or four units. The
connector includes a hook member for connecting together adjacent
vertical members of frames of adjacent wall panel units at a lower
portion thereof. A draw naught for connecting together adjacent
vertical members of frames of adjacent wall panel units and an odd
proportion thereof is provided by vertical displacement
thereof.
[0024] Lincoln, et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,073,120, issued Dec. 17,
1991, discloses a power distribution assembly having a bussing
distribution connector. The connector includes a series of bus
terminals positioned within an electrically insulative housing. A
series of electrical terminals are positioned in the housing for
distributing more than one electrical circuit. At least one ground
terminal, one neutral terminal, and three hot terminals are
provided. A grounding shell partially surrounds the bus connector
and includes a grounding tab grounding the one ground terminal to
the metallic grounding shell. In another embodiment, two bus
connectors are interconnected together, so as to provide for an
increased number of output ports.
[0025] Byrne, U.S. Pat. No. 5,096,431, issued Mar. 17, 1992,
discloses an outlet receptacle with rearrangeable terminals. The
receptacle is provided with input terminals to selected positions,
for engagement with terminals of an electrical junction block. The
block includes a series of terminals representing a plurality of
different electrical circuits. The receptacle block has neutral,
ground and positive flexible positive conductor bars electrically
connected to neutral, ground and positive electrical terminals.
Input terminals of the block are formed integral with the flexible
conductor bars and levers are provided for moving the terminal ends
of the conductor bars to physically different positions. In one
configuration, the receptacle block housing is provided with
openings at opposing ends, and the flexible conductor bars have
terminal ends controlled by levers at both ends of the outlet
receptacle block. In another configuration, the block has output
terminals in a front wall, and the input terminals of the
receptacle block are formed as ends of the flexible bars and extend
at an approximately 90 degree angle to the bars. They further send
through openings in the back wall of the outlet receptacle for
engagement with terminals of a junction block. Levers are provided
in the back wall of the receptacle block for positioning the
terminal ends in alignment with different terminals of the junction
block, and windowed openings in the front wall expose indices on
the levers identifying selected circuits.
[0026] Byrne, U.S. Pat. No. 5,096,434, issued Mar. 17, 1992,
discloses an electrical interconnection assembly for use in wall
panels of a space divider wall system. The system includes junction
blocks having several receptacle connectors, so as to provide a
plurality of electrical outlets on both sides of a wall panel. The
junction block is connected by means of conduits extending from
both ends of the junction block to oppositely directed connector
blocks for connection to adjoining panels. The assembly of the
junction block and connector blocks allows electrical power to be
supplied to one end of the panel and conducted to and through the
junction block to other panels. The receptacle connectors on the
junction block each have one type of terminal configuration, e.g.,
a female electrical terminal configuration. One of the connector
blocks is provided with the identical terminal configuration. The
other connector block is provided with a matching terminal
configuration, e.g., a male electrical terminal configuration. When
two wall panels are joined at their respective edges, the male
connector block may be readily connected to the female connector
block in the adjacent panel. When two panels are joined to a third
panel, all at one point, the arrangement of this invention allows
the male connector block to be connected to the female connector
block of one of the other two panels, and the male connector of the
other of the two panels may be connected to one of the receptacle
connectors of the junction block on either of the other two panels,
in this manner establishing a three way interconnection
arrangement. In a similar fashion, a fourth, or other additional
panels may be added to the junction and plug into receptacle
outlets of other panels in order to provide an arrangement of
panels that is totally interconnected, electrically.
[0027] Snodgrass, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,164,544, issued Nov. 17,
1992, describes an electrified space dividing panel having a panel
member, raceway, modular, or electric system disposed in a raceway
and raceway covers for gaining access to the system. The system
includes a single terminal block having end and side sockets, with
first and second electrical receptacles being respectively
removeably engaged with the end socket and the side sockets, such
that the first and second electrical receptacles are disposed in
horizontally spaced, side-by-side relation and project outwardly
for predetermined light dimensions through receptacle openings in
one of the raceway covers. The raceway can include a web having an
opening which cooperates with a support ear on the first receptacle
during engagement of the first receptacle with an end socket, so as
to provide additional lateral support for the electrical receptacle
when a plug is removed there from.
[0028] Kilpatrick, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,178,555, discloses a kit
which includes a junction box for installation along a raceway. The
kit includes a mounting bracket having a first adjustable mounting
mechanism for locating the bracket along the raceway. This provides
an initial adjustment, and a second adjustable mounting mechanism
is provided for securing the junction box to the mounting bracket.
This adjustably locates the junction box along the mounting
bracket, and provides a second or final adjustment to accurately
locate the junction box between two pre-measured lengths of
cable.
[0029] Byrne, U.S. Pat. No. 5,259,787, issued Nov. 9, 1993,
discloses an electrical junction block mounting assembly, which may
be utilized for mounting the junction block within a raceway. The
assembly includes a cantilever beam formed on an outer wall of the
junction block. This beam is provided with a transversely extending
channel for engagement with a support structure. The beam is
attached to the junction block by means of a resilient hinge
section, and is provided with a first arm section extending between
the hinge section and the channel, and a second arm section
extending beyond the channel. The first arm section has a sloping
surface sloping away from the outer channel between the hinge
section of the panel. The second armed section has a sloping
surface sloping toward the wall beyond the channel. The surfaces
will contact a mounting rail or similar structure during
installation of the junction block. In this manner, the hinged
cantilever beam is deflected until the rail is in alignment with
the channel for engagement with the structural support member.
[0030] One issue which exists with respect to power distribution
systems for use in raceways and other configurations relates to
directional connections of interconnected power and jumper cable
assemblies. That is, in a power distribution system, whether used
within a raceway of an office panel, or in a "stand alone"
configuration, the distribution system may advantageously require
electrical connections not only within a substantially horizontal
plane, but also vertically disposed connections. However, known
junction block assemblies utilized in known distribution systems
are not known to include such an activity capability.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0031] The invention will now be described with reference to the
drawings, in which:
[0032] FIG. 1 is a prior art, fragmentary elevation view of a
plurality of adjacent wall panels and electrical connection
assemblies arranged in the panels;
[0033] FIG. 2 is a prior art, enlarged perspective view of one of
the electrical interconnection assemblies of FIG. 1;
[0034] FIG. 3 is a prior art cross-sectional view taken along lines
3-3 of FIG. 2;
[0035] FIG. 4 is a prior art, enlarged perspective view of an
outlet receptacle shown in FIG. 1;
[0036] FIG. 5 is a prior art side elevation view of the outlet
receptacle of FIG. 4;
[0037] FIG. 6 is a prior art, fragmentary plan view of raceway
areas of four wall panels, illustrating wall panel
interconnections;
[0038] FIG. 7 is a prior art, fragmentary cross-sectional view
taken along lines 7-7 of FIG. 2;
[0039] FIG. 8 is a prior art, perspective view of a receptacle
contact blade shown in FIG. 7;
[0040] FIG. 9 is an inverted front elevation view of a vertical
junction block assembly in accordance with the invention;
[0041] FIG. 10 is a plan view of the junction block assembly shown
in FIG. 9;
[0042] FIG. 11 is a left-side end view of the junction block
assembly shown in FIG. 9;
[0043] FIG. 12 is a front elevation view of the junction block
assembly shown in FIG. 9;
[0044] FIG. 13 is a right-side end view of the junction block
assembly shown in FIG. 9.
[0045] FIG. 14 is underside view of the junction block assembly in
FIG. 9.
[0046] FIG. 15 is a perspective, partial and exploded view of the
junction block assembly shown in FIG. 9, and further showing an
internal wiring assembly positional for insertion into the mirror
housing;
[0047] FIG. 16 is a perspective and exploded view of the junction
block shown in FIG. 9 and showing the mirror housing, shown in FIG.
16, internal wiring assembly also shown in FIG. 16, along with a
front housing, vertical junction block connector and horizontal
junction block connector;
[0048] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the fully assembled
vertical junction block assembly shown in FIG. 9;
[0049] FIG. 18 is a perspective view, similar to FIG. 17, of the
junction block assembly shown in FIG. 9, but showing a perspective
from view from a different angle relative to FIG. 17;
[0050] FIG. 19 is a plan view of the junction block assembly shown
in FIG. 9, the view being similar to the view of FIG. 10;
[0051] FIG. 20 is an enlarged view looking into the vertical
junction block connector of the junction block assembly shown in
FIG. 9, with the enlarged view corresponding to the section of FIG.
19 identified by circle 20;
[0052] FIG. 21 is an enlarged view of an alternative embodiment of
a vertical junction block connector, similar to FIG. 20, but having
a differing keying arrangement from the keying arrangement of the
connection block connector shown in FIG. 20;
[0053] FIG. 22 is a plan view of a junction block assembly
substantially corresponding to that shown in FIG. 9, but with a
differing keying arrangement for the vertical junction block
connector;
[0054] FIG. 23 is an enlarged view of the vertical junction block
connector shown in FIG. 22, but showing an alternative keying
arrangement for the connector terminals;
[0055] FIG. 24 is an enlarged view of the vertical junction block
connector similar to that shown in FIG. 23, but specifically
showing the keying arrangement which is also illustrated in FIG.
22, with FIG. 24 corresponding to the section of FIG. 22 identified
by circle 24;
[0056] FIG. 25 is an enlarged view of the vertical junction block
connector similar to that of FIG. 24, but showing a still further
embodiment of a keying arrangement for the vertical junction block
connector;
[0057] FIG. 26 is a perspective view and a partially exploded view
of the vertical junction block connector shown in FIG. 9, and
showing a partial view of a vertical cable assembly having a cable
connector adapted to connect to the vertical junction block
connector, and further showing the relative positioning of a
receptacle block to be inserted and electrically connected to the
vertical junction block assembly.
[0058] FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the fully assembled
junction block assembly, vertical cable assembly and receptacle
block shown in FIG. 26;
[0059] FIG. 28 is a perspective and partially exploded view of the
junction block assembly shown in FIG. 9, with the receptacle block
of FIG. 26 electrically connected thereto, and showing the relative
positioning of the vertical cable assembly and a horizontal cable
assembly for connection to the vertical junction connector and
horizontal junction block connector, respectively, of the vertical
junction block assembly; and
[0060] FIG. 29 is a front-elevation view of a par distribution
system as positioned within the raceway, and having a vertical
injunction block assembly, horizontal cable assembly, and vertical
cable assembly, with a conventional junction block assembly
connected to an opposing cable connector of the vertical cable
assembly.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0061] The principles of the invention are disclosed, by way of
example, in a vertical T-junction block assembly as illustrated in
several embodiments shown in FIGS. 9-29. For purposes of brevity
and description, the vertical T-junction block assemblies will be
described herein with alternative terms, such as "vertical junction
block assembly" and "junction block assembly." These vertical
junction block assemblies advantageously provides the capability of
electrically engaging an electrical outlet receptacle block within
a junction block, and also provide the capability of an electrical
interconnection with a cable assembly (which can be in the form of
a jumper cable assembly or a cable assembly having active
electrical components, such as another junction block assembly)
disposed in a vertical direction. This capability of vertical
interconnection is provided along with the capability of
horizontally disposed electrical interconnections to separate cable
assemblies.
[0062] For purposes of describing power distribution configurations
where vertical junction block assemblies in accordance with the
invention may be utilized, the following paragraphs describe prior
art electrical interconnection assemblies which could be adapted
for use within wall panels of a space divider wall system. These
assemblies are shown in the prior art drawings of FIGS. 1-8.
Specifically, FIGS. 1-8 describe and depict a junction block with
several receptacle connectors, so as to accommodate a series of
electrical outlets on both sides of a wall panel. The junction
block is connected by means of conduits extending from both ends of
the junction block to associated connector blocks for connection to
adjoining panels. Following the description of the prior art
electrical interconnection assemblies, the vertical junction block
assemblies in accordance with the invention will be described with
respect to FIGS. 9-29.
[0063] FIG. 1 is a prior art fragmentary elevational view of
adjacent modular wall panels 101, 102, 103 of a rearrangeable wall
system. The wall panels are provided with electrical
interconnection assemblies 105, 107 and 109 in a raceway area
formed along the lower edge of panels 101, 102 and 103. Each of the
panels is provided with substantially flat support legs 112 which
allow for passage of electrical conduits in the raceway. Raceway
covers, customarily used, have been omitted from the drawing in
FIG. 1 to better show the electrical junction assemblies. Each of
the electrical interconnection assemblies 105, 107, and 109 is
provided with a junction block 120, a female electrical connector
block 140 and a matching male connector block 145. The connector
blocks 140, 145 are connected to associated junction blocks 120 by
means of conduit sections 142 and 147, respectively. Each of the
junction blocks 120 is shown in FIG. 1 to be provided with a pair
of electrical outlet receptacles 150. Junction blocks 120 are
double sided and corresponding pairs or outlet receptacles are
provided on the opposite side of each of the wall panels 101, 102
and 103 (not shown in the drawing) to allow various electrical
equipments to be plugged into the outlets from either side of the
panel.
[0064] FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of one of the
electrical interconnection assemblies, for example assembly 107.
The junction block 120 is provided with support lugs 122 by which
the junction block is supported by standard fasteners extended
through support tables extending from the bottom edge of the wall
panel, e.g., wall panel 102. Junction block 120 comprises an
elongated housing having opposing ends 121 and 123 and a
symmetrical center section comprising four female receptacle
connectors 126. Only one of the receptacle connectors 126 is fully
exposed in FIG. 2. There is a pair of connectors 126 on each side
of the housing and the connection on each side face in opposite
directions. Support flanges 130 are provided adjacent each of the
female connectors to provide support for electrical outlet
receptacles engaged with the connectors 126. In this manner,
junction block 120 is adapted to support four electrical outlet
receptacles, two on each side of a wall panel to which junction
block 120 is attached. The junction block assembly further
comprises end connector block 140, provided with a female connector
141, and connected via a standard electrical conduit 142, which may
be a flexible conduit, to end 123 of junction block 120. Similarly,
connector block 145, provided with a male connector 146 is
connected via flexible conduit 147 to end 121 of junction block
120. In a straight line connection arrangement, as depicted for
example in FIG. 1, wherein a plurality of panels are positioned
adjacent each other, electrical power is transmitted between panels
by connection of male connector block 145 to female connector block
140 of the adjacent junction assembly.
[0065] Electrical power is transmitted through the junction
assembly by means of electrical wires disposed in the conduits 142,
147, terminated on connectors 141 and 146, respectively, and
connected to receptacle connectors 126 in junction block 120.
Accordingly, electrical power is transmitted through
interconnecting panels and is at the same time made available at
electrical outlet receptacles in each panel. Conduit 147, provided
with the male connector block 145, may be a fixed-length conduit
and conduit 142 may be of a length such that female connector block
140 is positioned at substantially the same distance from the panel
edge in each panel independent of the width of the panel. Thus,
female connector block 140 will always be accessible to male
connector block 145 independent of the width of the panels. To
accommodate panels of different widths, conduit 142 may be an
expandable flexible conduit, such as are well known in the art. In
that case, connector block 140 may be provided with an inner
spatial area 136, as shown in a partially broken-away view in FIG.
2. The inner spatial area 136 is provided for storage of excess
length of electrical wiring 138 in a coiled or other configuration.
The excess length of electrical wiring 138 may be withdrawn when
conduit 142 is expanded to an extended length. This arrangement is
similar to that disclosed in my earlier patent, U.S. Pat. No.
4,579,403 (dated Apr. 1, 1986) and entitled ELECTRICAL JUNCTION
ASSEMBLY WITH ADJUSTABLE CONNECTORS.
[0066] The conduit 147 is preferably a flexible conduit which may
be bent to accommodate a connection to adjacent panels which are
disposed at angular positions with respect to each other, rather
than in a straight line. The junction assemblies of this invention
readily accommodate an arrangement in which three or more panels
are disposed in an intersecting relationship, as will be discussed
further herein with respect to FIG. 6. In such a configuration, the
male connector block 145 of one of the panels may be connected to
one of the female receptacle connectors 126 of a junction block
assembly in an adjacent wall panel. For this purpose, the female
connector 141 of connector block 140 and female receptacle
connectors 126 on junction block 120 have been made identical.
Similarly, the male connector 146 on connector block 145 has been
made identical to the male connector of electrical outlet
receptacle 150, shown in FIG. 1. Greater detail of the receptacle
150 is shown in FIG. 4 and is described below. As may be seen from
FIG. 2, the female connectors 126 and 141 are each provided with a
pair of side flanges 129 having upper and lower recessed areas 128,
for engagement with flanges 148 of a male connector to provide a
locking arrangement. FIG. 129, which are made of a resilient
plastic material and formed integral to the housing to which they
are connected, are provided with an outwardly extending inclined
end surface 135. When surfaces 135 are engaged by flanges such as
flanges 148 of connector 146 on connector block 145, the flanges
129 will be deflected inward, allowing flanges 148 of the male
connector to engage recesses 128 to provide a locking engagement of
the male and the female connectors. A protuberance 137 is provided
with a generally rounded edge surface 139 and acts as an entry
guide as a male connector is engaged in female connector 126. The
female connectors 126, 141 are each provided with a plurality of
female connector terminals 125 and a key lug 127. Male connector
146 is provided with a plurality of male connector terminals 149
and an opening 143 for receiving key lug 127.
[0067] The electrical outlet receptacle 150, shown in FIG. 4, is
provided with male connectors 151 at both ends, allowing the
receptacle to be plugged into any one of the four female receptacle
connectors 126 of junction block 120. As shown in FIG. 2, junction
block 120 is provided with upper and lower support flanges 130 to
support receptacles 150 in each of the four female connectors 126.
The lower support flanges 130 are provided with a locking flange
132. The receptacle 150 is provided with a spring latch 152
disposed in recess 154 in the surface 156 of receptacle 150.
Surface 156 engages one of the lower support flanges 130 when the
receptacle 150 is installed in the junction block 120. The locking
flanges 132 will be aligned with the recess 154 when the receptacle
150 is inserted between flanges 130, causing the spring latch 152
to be depressed. The receptacle 150 may then be moved to either the
left or to the right to engage one of the female connectors 126.
Recesses 158 are provided in receptacle 150 to accommodate locking
flange 132 and movement to either the left or to the right by a
sufficient distance will cause the spring latch 152 to be moved
past locking flange 132, causing the spring latch 152 to return to
its extended position. Hence, receptacle 150 will be retained in a
locked position. The receptacle may be removed by depressing spring
latch 152 and sliding the receptacle 150 to either left or right to
align the locking flange 132 with recess 154. FIG. 5 is a
right-hand elevation of receptacle 150 showing a right-hand
elevation or receptacle 150 showing right-hand male connector
151.
[0068] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of junction block 120 taken
along line 3-3 of FIG. 2. FIG. 3 shows two of the four receptacle
connectors 126 of connector block 120. One of the two connectors
126 shown in FIG. 3 is disposed on each side of the central housing
section 131, which contains a plurality of wires 133. An eight-wire
system is shown in this illustrative embodiment. Each of the male
and female connectors are provided with eight separate terminals,
and eight separate electrical wires 133 extend through the
connector blocks 140, 145, the conduits 142, 147 and the central
section 131 of the junction block 120. By way of example, these may
include two ground terminal wires, three neutral wires and three
positive wires representing three separate circuits, with a shared
ground for two of the circuits. Similarly, 10- or 12-wire systems
may be readily accommodated, having corresponding number of
terminals on each of the connectors and providing a greater number
of separate circuits. The four female receptacle connectors 126 are
each connected to the wires 133 by means of a plurality of contact
blades, described later herein with respect to FIGS. 7 and 8. Each
wire, together with the connector block terminals and receptacle
connector terminals to which it is connected, is referred to herein
as a circuit element. A particular circuit may be selected for use
by one of the receptacles 150 by appropriate wiring connections
internal to the receptacle. Since all of the circuits are connected
to each one of the receptacle connectors 126 of junction block 120,
a connector block 145 of an adjacent panel, equipped with a male
connector, may be connected to any one of the receptacle connectors
126. In this manner, electrical power may be provided to receptacle
connectors to junction block 120 and to associated connector blocks
140, 145 and hence to any adjacent panels to which these connectors
may be connected. Similarly, a connector block 145 equipped with a
male connector connected to one of the female connectors 126 may
receive electrical power for distribution to a panel to which the
connector block 145 belongs. Such interconnecting arrangements are
described further herein with respect to FIG. 6.
[0069] FIG. 7 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view along line 7-7
of FIG. 2. Shown in FIG. 7 is a contact blade structure 170 which
is one of eight such blades disposed in central housing section
131. Each such blade is in electrical contact with one of the
conductors 133. Connection to conductor 133 is made by means of a
crimped connection of blade extension member 172 to conductor 133.
As may be more readily seen from the perspective view of FIG. 8,
the extension member 172 is part of a center section 173 which is
connected to left-hand upper and lower contact blades 174 and
right-hand upper and lower contact blades 175. The upper and lower
contact blades on each side from the female opening part of the
conductor 126 for engagement with blades of a male connector.
[0070] FIG. 6 is a fragmentary plan view of raceway areas of four
wall panels illustrating the connections of interconnection
assemblies of the invention in a configuration in which the four
panels are disposed at right angles to each other. As will be
apparent from the following description, the specific angle at
which the panels are positioned is not particularly significant.
Each of the four panels is provided with an interconnection
assembly, as shown in FIG. 2, comprising a junction block 120, a
male connector block 145, and a female connector block 140 attached
to the junction block 120 by means of flexible conduits 147 and
142, respectively. The junction block 120 is disposed within each
panel raceway near one edge of the panel. Panels 200, 201, 202 are
positioned such that the end at which these panels are joined to
other panels is the end near which the junction block 120 is
positioned. One of the panels, panel 203, is positioned with an
opposite orientation in which the end near which the junction block
120 is located is positioned opposite the point of junction of the
four panels. The flexible conduit 147, provided with the male
connector block 145, extends beyond the end of the panel in which
it is positioned, and the flexible conduit 142, provided with a
female connector block 140, is terminated just short of the end of
the panel.
[0071] Thus, as is also shown in FIG. 1, a connection is made
between panels by extending the flexible conduit 147 with male
connector block 145 into the raceway area of the adjacent panel to
engage the female connector block 140 at the end of flexible
conduit 142. In the configuration of FIG. 6, the male connector
block 145 of panel 202 and its associated flexible conduit 147
extend into the raceway area of panel 202 to engage female
connector block 140 of panel 203. It will be apparent that the
connection as shown between panel 202 and 203 may be made whenever
these panels are adjacent and independent of the angle at which the
panels are disposed with respect to each other. In the
configuration of FIG. 6, the flexible conduit 147, with its male
connector block 145, associated with the panel 200 are extended
into the raceway area of panel 202 for engagement with one of the
female receptacle connectors 126 of junction block 120 in panel
202. In this manner, an electrical connection is established among
the junction blocks of the three panels 200, 202, and 203. Thus,
electrical power provided from an external source to any one of
these three may be distributed to the other two by means of the
connection arrangement shown by way of example in FIG. 6. In the
arrangement of FIG. 6, flexible conduit 147 and its male connector
block 145 of panel 202 is connected to one of the female connectors
126 of junction block 120 of panel 200 thereby establishing an
electrical connection between panels 200 and 201. This connection,
in combination with the other connections shown in FIG. 6 and
described in the previous sentences, completes an arrangement for
establishing an electrical connection from any one of four panels
to the entire four-panel configuration. Additional connections may
be envisioned by connections of male connectors 145 from other
panels into additional ones of the female receptacle connectors 126
of the junction blocks 120 of any of the panels 201 through 203,
should one choose to provide an arrangement of more than four
intersecting panels. Furthermore, additional conduits, such as
conduit 210 shown in FIG. 6, may be connected by means of a male
connector to any of the receptacle connectors 126 to provide
electrical power to lamps or other fixtures.
[0072] The principles of the invention will now be described with
respect to the vertical junction block assembly 200 and other
embodiments of vertical junction block assemblies as illustrated in
FIGS. 9-29. Turning first to FIGS. 9-14, the vertical junction
block assembly 200 is adapted to provide for both horizontal cable
assembly connections and vertically disposed cable assembly
connections. As shown in FIGS. 9-14, the vertical junction block
assembly 200 includes two pairs of upwardly extending support lugs
202. The support lugs 202 are known in the art and provide a means
for connecting the vertical junction block assembly 200 to a
raceway bracket or the like. The junction block assembly 200 is
constructed of a rear housing half 202 and a front housing half
206. The housing halves 206 for a top surface 208 and a bottom
surface 210. Further, the housing halves 204, 206 form a front
surface 212.
[0073] In addition to the foregoing elements, the junction block
assembly 200 also includes at least one receptacle block region 214
which extends inwardly through a lateral face or front surface 212.
If desired, the junction block assembly 200 can also include a
similar receptacle block region 214 which extends through an
opposing lateral face of the block assembly 200. The receptacle
block regions 214 provide an area for mechanically and electrically
receiving receptacle blocks as described in subsequent paragraphs
herein. For purposes of securing the receptacle blocks to the
junction block assembly 200 in a releasable manner, receptacle
block latches 216 may be utilized. On of the receptacle block
latches 216 is shown in FIG. 212. These latches are known in the
art.
[0074] As further shown in several of the views of FIGS. 9-14, the
junction block assembly 200 also includes a vertically disposed
connector housing 218. Correspondingly, the junction block assembly
200 includes a horizontal connector housing 220. The connector
housings 218, 220 provide an area for housing terminal sets of the
junction block assembly 200 as described in subsequent paragraphs
herein.
[0075] For purposes of securing a connector assembly to the
vertical connector housing 218, a vertical latch 222 is utilized.
The vertical latch 222 is known in the art and has been utilized in
other junction block assembly systems. In addition to the vertical
latch 222, the junction block assembly 200 also includes a pair of
horizontal latches 224, primarily shown in FIGS. 9, 10, 12 and 14.
The horizontal latches 224, like the vertical latch 222, are
utilized to releasably and mechanically secure a horizontal cable
assembly connector to the horizontal connector housing 220.
[0076] As shown specifically in the exploded view of FIG. 15, the
vertical junction block assembly 200 also includes an internal
wiring assembly 226. The internal wiring assembly 226 is utilized
to electrically transmit power between the horizontal connector
housing 220 and the vertical connector housing 218. Also, the
wiring assembly 226 is utilized to selectively transmit power from
external sources to receptacle blocks which are mechanically and
electrically received within the receptacle block regions 214.
Turning specifically to the wiring assembly 226 shown in FIG. 15,
the assembly includes a series of H-connectors 228. The
H-connectors 228 form a horizontal female terminal group 229. The
female terminal group 229 comprises a first female terminal set 30
and a second female terminal set 232. Extending inwardly as part of
the first female terminal set 230 is a junction block receptacle
terminal group 298, again consisting of female terminals. Another
junction block receptacle terminal group 298 extends inwardly from
the first female terminal set 230. The junction block receptacle
terminal groups 298 are positioned so as to receive corresponding
male terminal groups of receptacle blocks, when the receptacle
blocks are inserted within the receptacle block regions 214.
[0077] The internal wiring assembly 226 further includes an
internal sheathed wire set 234, comprising a set of internal
sheathed wires 236. The wires 236 are connected at one end to a
vertical female terminal set 238. At the other end, the internal
sheathed wires 236 are connected to the series of H-connectors 228
and horizontal female terminal group 229. As shown particularly in
FIG. 16, when the junction block assembly block 200 is assembled,
the terminal sets 230, 232 and 238 all rest within terminal slots
240, again as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16.
[0078] In addition to the internal wiring assembly 226, the
junction block assembly 200 also includes a horizontal junction
block terminal housing 242, as specifically shown in FIG. 16. The
horizontal terminal housing 242 is utilized to house the horizontal
female terminal group 229. In addition to the horizontal junction
block terminal housing 242, the junction block assembly 200 also
includes a vertical junction block terminal housing 244, for
housing the vertical female terminal set 238. Still further, the
horizontal junction block terminal housing 242 includes a set of
horizontal terminal slots 246, while the vertical junction block
terminal housing 244 includes a set of vertical terminal slots 248.
With respect to all the foregoing elements, FIGS. 17 and 18 show
the junction block assembly 200 in accordance with the invention,
in perspective views and in a fully assembled state.
[0079] For purposes of security and safety, the vertical junction
block terminal housing 244 can be constructed with a series of
"keys" which essentially comprise physical structure which prohibit
electrical and mechanical interconnection of the vertical junction
block terminal housing 244 to an external cable assembly connector,
other than one having a "matching" set of keys. In this manner,
incompatible cable assembly connectors are prohibited from being
connected to the vertical junction block terminal housing 244. It
should be noted that although not expressly described herein,
similar types of keys can also be utilized for the horizontal
junction block terminal housing 242.
[0080] The concepts associated with the keying arrangements are
illustrated in FIGS. 19-25. FIG. 19 and FIG. 20 illustrate a
vertical junction block terminal housing 244 having a particular
key configuration. As earlier stated, the junction block assembly
200 includes a series of horizontal terminal slots 246, and a
series of vertical terminal slots 248. With reference to FIGS. 19
and 20, the vertical junction block terminal housing 244 includes
an upper key 250 which is essentially formed at the top of the
uppermost vertical terminal slot 248. The upper key, in this
particular instance, is formed with an upper surface having an
upperwardly concave shape. An intermediate key 252 is also
provided. The intermediate key 252 consists of a projecting stub
252 located between the second and third vertical terminal slots
248, with the first terminal slot being considered the uppermost
terminal slot 248.
[0081] FIG. 21 illustrates an alternative keying arrangement for
the vertical junction block terminal housing 244. Specifically,
FIG. 21 includes a second upper key 254. In this particular
instance, the second upper key 254 has substantially the same shape
as the upper key 250 shown in FIG. 20. However, the housing 244 of
FIG. 21 includes a second intermediate key 256 positioned
differently from the intermediate key 252 of FIG. 20. Specifically,
the second intermediate key 256 is formed as a stub located between
the third and fourth vertical terminal slots 248, counting from the
top.
[0082] FIG. 22 illustrates a somewhat different configuration, with
the horizontal electrical connection being formed as first male
terminal set 258 and second male terminal set 260. Correspondingly,
the vertical connections are shown as being formed by a vertical
male terminal set 262, with corresponding vertical male terminals
264. Further, as shown in the enlarged view of FIG. 24, the
vertical junction block terminal housing 244 includes a third upper
key 266 having the configuration of a pair of outwardly projecting
tabs on each side of the uppermost vertical terminal slot 248.
Further, FIG. 24 illustrates a third intermediate key 268 located
between the second and third vertical terminal slot 248.
Correspondingly, FIG. 23 includes a fourth upper key 270,
substantially corresponding to the third upper key 266. However,
the fourth intermediate key 272 is located between the fourth and
fifth vertical terminal slot 248.
[0083] Still further, FIG. 25 illustrates a further alternative
keying arrangement for the vertical junction block terminal housing
244. Specifically, FIG. 25 illustrate a fifth upper key 274,
substantially corresponding to the fourth upper key 270 of FIG. 23.
However, the fifth intermediate key 276 shown in FIG. 25 differs
from the fourth intermediate key 272. Specifically, the fifth
intermediate key 256 is a stub located between the third and fourth
vertical terminal slots 248.
[0084] FIGS. 26 and 27 illustrate the relative positioning and
assembly of the vertical junction block assembly 200 with a
receptacle block and a vertical cable assembly. Specifically, FIG.
26 illustrated an exploded view, and FIG. 27 illustrates a fully
assembled view. With reference thereto, a vertical cable assembly
280 is shown in a position to be mechanically and electrically
connected to the vertical female terminal set 238 of the vertical
junction block assembly 400. The vertical cable assembly 280
includes a vertical cable 282, connected to a vertical cable
connector 284. The cable connector 284 includes a pair of
connecting tabs 286 which are utilized to receive the vertical
latch 222 so as to secure the vertical cable assembly 280 in a
releasable manner to the vertical junction block terminal housing
244.
[0085] Also as shown in FIGS. 26 and 27 is a receptacle block 288.
The receptacle block 288 is known in the art and has been
substantially, previously described herein. The receptacle block
288 includes a pair of three-prong receptacles 290. Extending
outwardly from opposing ends of the receptacle bock 288 are
receptacle block male terminal groups 292. The receptacle block
male terminal groups 292 are adapted to be electrically connected
to the junction block receptacle terminal groups 298.
[0086] FIG. 28 illustrates the vertical junction block assembly
200, vertical cable assembly 280 and receptacle block 288 in a
partially assembled state within an office panel 302. The office
panel 302 includes a raceway 304. Also as shown in FIG. 28 is a
horizontal cable assembly 306 having a horizontal cable 308 and a
horizontal cable connector 310. The horizontal cable connector 310
includes a horizontal cable connector terminal group 312. The
horizontal cable connector terminal group 312 is adapted to
mechanically and electrically connect to either the first female
terminal set 230 or second horizontal female terminal set 232, for
purposes of electrical connection to the receptacle block 288.
[0087] FIG. 29 substantially shows the overall power distribution
system shown in FIG. 28. However, the other end of the vertical
cable assembly 280 includes a further or a second cable connector
314 connected to the vertical cable 282 at an opposing end thereof.
The second cable connector 314 is connected to a conventional
junction block assembly 316, corresponding to junction block
assemblies previously described herein. The junction block assembly
316 is connected to the cable connector 314 through junction block
terminals 320. Also shown with the conventional junction block
assembly 316 is a conventional receptacle block 318.
[0088] It will be apparent to those skilled in the pertinent arts
that still other embodiments of vertical junction block assemblies
in accordance with the invention can be designed. That is, the
principles of a junction block assembly in accordance with the
invention are not limited to the specific embodiments described
herein. Accordingly, it will be apparent to those skilled in the
art that modifications and other variations of the above-described
illustrative embodiments of the invention may be effected without
departing from the spirit and scope of the novel concepts of the
invention.
* * * * *